Suction cup apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for connecting items, even with irregular surfaces, to each other while maintaining a minimum distance between the items. The apparatus can have a suction cup comprising a cup body, a sealing edge, an internal surface, an external surface, a fluid pathway extending from an interior of the cup body to the exterior of the cup body, and a plurality of cleats positioned on the internal surface of the cup body extending radially inward from proximate the sealing edge. The thickness of each cleat increases distal to the sealing edge. When air is pumped out of the cup body to allow it to seal to a surface, the cleats create a desirable fluid flow profile allowing for a tighter and more efficacious seal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation in part and claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/507,079 filed on Oct. 21, 2021, titled “MOORING DEVICE”, which is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/219,853 filed on Mar. 31, 2021, titled “MOORING DEVICE”, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/018,368 filed on Apr. 30, 2020, titled “HOOKCUPS”. These references are incorporated in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a connector for attaching items together and maintaining the items at a desired relative position.

BACKGROUND

A common use for suction cups is to attach items together, transport items, or for materials handling tasks in industrial settings. For example, robots may use suction cups to maneuver components during manufacturing and assembly tasks. People repairing automobile windshields or windows may use suction cups to lift glass. Suction cups also provide the flexibility to easily and temporarily connect items together.

It is often desirable to attach two items together ensure proximity, while at the same time maintaining a gap or spacing between the items. One example of such a situation is when boaters wish to float with other boaters and maintain boats close to one another, but not allow the boats to make contact with each other.

Especially when the items being connected are floating, connecting two items with a desired spacing poses some challenges. A typical means of connecting boats, for example, involves fastening lines to steering wheels of boats and tying into cleats or fenders. Often these lines, fenders, buoys, and the like would not stay in place, and these methods do not stop the boats from making contact with each other and potentially causing damage or even injuring persons who happen to be in between the boats (or any other items connected in this manner).

Further, items without flat surfaces pose challenges for connecting to and with other items. For example, pontoons on boats or on amphibious aircraft, personal watercraft, inner tubes, canoes, kayaks, bumpers on cars, trailers, windshields, various materials handling tasks, and the like often have rounded and/or otherwise irregular shapes which are typically not conducive for utilizing suction cups.

Maintaining a minimum spacing between items is also complicated when the items move respective to one another. For example, when waves or wakes from watercraft cause items connected with one another to move, the movement may not be in phase, thereby putting a strain on any rigid connection means.

It is desirable, therefore, to have an apparatus which can connect two items and maintain a spacing between the items, while still allowing for a certain degree of movement of the items relative to one another.

The present disclosure addresses the above deficiencies of existing means, and provides an apparatus for connecting items, even with irregular surfaces, to each other while maintaining a minimum distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the external surface of an embodiment of a suction cup.

FIG. 2 depicts a cut view of the internal surface of an embodiment of a suction cup.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a cleat.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a suction cup apparatus attachable to an object.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a connecting rod.

FIG. 6 depicts objects connected with suction cup apparatus.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specifics of particular embodiments as described and that it can be practiced, constructed, or carried out in various ways.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting.

Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching persons having ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present embodiments. Many variations and modifications of embodiments disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”

The word “about”, when referring to values, means plus or minus 5% of the stated number.

The use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised substantially of, and the like.

When methods are disclosed or discussed, the order of the steps is not intended to be limiting, but merely exemplary unless otherwise stated.

Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description herein, but is only limited by the claims which follow, encompassing all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is hereby incorporated into the specification as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the claims are a further description and are an addition to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The inclusion or discussion of a reference is not an admission that it is prior art to the present disclosure, especially any reference that may have a publication date after the priority date of this application. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent they provide background knowledge; or exemplary, procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.

The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an apparatus for connecting items, even with irregular surfaces, to each other while maintaining a minimum distance between the items.

The suction cup apparatus can have a suction cup comprising a cup body, a sealing edge, an internal surface, an external surface, a fluid pathway extending from an interior of the cup body to the exterior of the cup body, and a plurality of cleats positioned on the internal surface of the cup body extending radially inward from proximate the sealing edge, wherein the thickness of each cleat of the plurality of cleats increases distal to the sealing edge.

The suction cup can be made of any material as determined on a per application basis by persons having ordinary skill in the art. Typical materials of construction are rubbers or plastics. It is desirable to have a material that is substantially impermeable to fluids and also resistant to solvents and chemicals. For example, if used on boats, sea water is extremely corrosive.

The cup body can have at least one bellows fold extending around the entire circumference of the cup body. In embodiments, the cup body can have multiple bellows folds. The bellows fold(s) can allow for the cup body to compress in a non-uniform manner such that the cup body does not compress the same amount about its circumference. This allows for the cup body to conform to rounded and/or irregular shapes for attachment and help seat the sealing edge. The external surface of the cup body can have a physical feature, such as a tab, to aid in detaching the suction cup from an object by releasing the vacuum. Various such features or structures are known to persons having ordinary skill in the art for suction cups, and any feature or structure can be used as appropriate.

The sealing edge can be configured to make a substantially hermetic, or fluid tight, seal with a surface. In embodiments, the sealing edge can be flat, chamfered, or radiused as desired by persons having ordinary skill in the art.

A fluid pathway can be included leading from the interior of the cup body to the exterior of the cup body. This can be a simple hole to aid air in egressing the cup body when the suction cup is compressed onto a surface with a plug or flap valve to maintain the seal. In embodiments, a pump can be used to remove air from within the cup body.

In embodiments, the pump can be attached to the suction cup apparatus. Any pump known to persons having ordinary skill in the art can be used. In embodiments, the pump can be a manual pump, a hand operated pump, or a battery-operated or powered pump.

A check valve can be positioned between the pump and the interior of the cup body, allowing egress of air, while preventing ingress. Any known check valve design can be utilized by persons having ordinary skill in the art. In embodiments, a Schrader™ valve (also known as an American valve) can be utilized. These valves are a spring assisted poppet valve, of the type typically used in bicycle tires. This would allow for a bicycle pump style connection to be utilized with a pump capable of pulling a vacuum to create suction and attach the suction cup to a surface. Any pump capable of drawing vacuum can be utilized.

The internal surface of the cup body can have one or more cleats. The cleats can be radially oriented, leading inward from the sealing edge. In embodiments, the thickness of the cleat can increase further away from the sealing edge. The cleats can help the suction cup seal more effectively on a surface.

Because the thickness of the cleats increases further away from the sealing edge, this creates a greater void volume between the cleats radially inward from the sealing edge. This creates a desirable pressure gradient within the cup, leading to a more effective seal. Further, this helps the suction cup grip more effectively when air is pumped out of the cup, as this increases the vacuum at the sealing edge.

The cleat can have one or more indentations to allow for greater air flow. The indentations can be of any shape as desired by persons having ordinary skill in the art. In embodiments, the indentation can be a zigzag shape, such as a chevron, to aid in air flow.

In embodiments, the suction cup can be attached to a frame having a connector. The frame can be any structure attached to the suction cup which allows for supporting a connector and joining to a connecting item. In embodiments, a portion of the connector can also serve as the frame. For example, if a ball and socket joint is used as a connector, the socket of the joint can itself serve as the frame when attached to the suction cup.

The frame can allow for multiple suction cups to be supported to allow for redundancy and additional grip strength. In embodiments, the frame can also store a pump. The pump can be detachable for use, or already positioned in fluid communication with the interior of the cup body. In embodiments, a void, or secondary fluid pathway can be contained within the frame to be in communication with the fluid pathway of the suction cup and the pump. One or more check valves can also be positioned within such a secondary fluid pathway.

The connector can be adapted to receive and grasp one end of a connecting item, such as a connecting rod, a connecting chain, or a connecting rope. Persons having ordinary skill in the art can determine the appropriate connector based upon the specific application.

Exemplary connectors include a ball and socket joint, a pin joint, a knuckle joint, and the like. Various connectors and fastening means are known to persons having ordinary skill in the art and it is not intended for this disclosure to be limited to any specific connector.

It is desirable for the connector to allow for a degree of motion of the connecting item with respect to the frame. In embodiments, therefore, the connector pivots to allow for some predetermined degree of motion between the items being connected. For example, the connector can incorporate a flexible stem allowing for a limited range of movement. Other exemplary embodiments include a ball and socket joint or a sliding bar, which can allowed a range of rotation. For the purposes of this disclosure, pivoting of the connector shall refer to allowing for a range of motion of the connecting item relative to the frame. The actual range of motion can be determined by persons having ordinary skill in the art based upon the specific application. For example, when connecting two items together where it is undesirable for the items to contact one another (such as boats), the pivoting range of the connector can be limited to a maximum of sixty degrees in any given direction. However, when connecting to items of irregular shapes and/or sizes, or needing flexibility with orienting the suction cup body, persons having ordinary skill in the art may determine that a much greater pivoting range, such as one hundred eighty degrees, or more, may be necessary.

A first end of the connecting rod can be received within the connector. In embodiments, the connecting rod can be telescoping to adjust for a range of lengths. In embodiments, the connecting rod can also incorporate a bias, such as a spring, to allow the connecting rod to act as a shock absorber if connected items move toward one another.

A second end of the connecting rod can be adapted to be received by the connector of another suction cup apparatus or have a means of attachment such as a hook or carabiner clip. Various items can be connected to the second end of the connecting rod. A non-exhaustive exemplary list includes: a hook, a carabiner clip, a drink holder, a brace (for boxes, crates, and the like), a tie off (allow a rope to be tied to the connector), a carrying handle, and the like.

Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the external surface of an embodiment of a suction cup.

Shown here is cup body 110. The suction cup can have at least one bellows fold 116 indenting the external surface 112 of the cup body 110. A fluid pathway 118 can extend into the internal portion of the cup body 110. Embodiments may add a structure such as the pull tab 114 to aid in removing the suction cup after attachment to an object.

FIG. 2 depicts a cut view of the internal surface of an embodiment of a suction cup.

Shown here is cup body 110 with fluid pathway 118 and bellows fold 116. Cleat 120 is also shown on internal surface 113 of the cup body 110. In embodiments, the cleat 120 can have a first end 121 closer to the sealing edge 115 of the cup body 110. The second end 122 of the cleat (further from the sealing edge 115) can be thicker than the first end 121 of the cleat. The cleat can have one or more indentations 124 to allow for fluid flow. The indentation 124 can be of any shape as desired by persons having ordinary skill in the art as suitable for the specific application. A chevron shaped indentation 124 is show here which allows for desirable flow profile when air is pumped out of the suction cup to help form a tighter and more efficacious seal at the sealing edge 115 between the cup body 110 and an object.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a cleat.

Shown here is the cleat 120 with a thinner first end 121 proximate the sealing edge of the suction cup. The cleat has indentation 124 to allow for fluid cross flow. Second end 122 of the cleat 120 is shown here thicker than the first end 121. This allows for a greater void between the internal surface 113 of the suction cup and the object it is attached to. This creates a desirable flow profile when air is pumped out of the suction cup to help form a tighter seal than suction cups not having this feature.

FIG. 4 depicts a cut view of an embodiment of a suction cup apparatus attachable to an object.

Shown here is suction cup apparatus 100 having a frame 130 and cup body 110 with bellows fold 116. Bellows fold 116 allows the cup body to conform to various shapes and surface curvatures of items to attach to. When placed upon an object, the sealing edge 115 can be made to sit flat by compressing the cup body 110 at varying amounts around its circumference.

In embodiments, the frame 130 can house a pump 134. The pump 134 can be detachable to position in a convenient manner during use or be securely fastened to the frame 130. In embodiments the pump can be rotatable and positioned while still attached to the frame 130. Frame 130 can have its own fluid pathway 148 in communication with the fluid pathway of the cup body 110 to allow the pump to remove air from the interior of the cup body.

Valve 146 can be included between the pump and the interior of the cup body. Each cup can have its own valve 146 as shown, or a single valve can be utilized at the pump as desired by persons having ordinary skill in the art.

Connector 132 can be attached to the frame. Connector 132 can have varying degrees of pivoting capability based upon the desired application. As shown here, the connector 132 can slide laterally, as well as swivel in a direction orthogonal to the lateral movement.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a connecting rod.

Connecting rod 136 can have telescoping segments 137 a and 137 b to allow for adjustment of length. In embodiments the connecting rod can incorporate a bias 140, such as a spring shown to act as a shock absorber if the telescoping segments 137 a and/or 137 b are compressed. The connecting rod 136 can have a first connector end 138 which allows it to connect to the connector of a suction cup apparatus. The connecting rod can also have a second connector end 139 to allow it to connect to another connector of a suction cup apparatus or attach to various other items as desired.

FIG. 6 depicts objects connected with suction cup apparatus.

Shown here is inner tube 200 connected to boat 210, which in turn is connected to dock 220. In this embodiment, the pivoting capability of the suction cup apparatus can be limited such that connecting rod 136 prevents the items from making contact with one another. Further, the connecting rod can have a bias, not shown in this figure, to act as a shock absorber if items move toward one another.

While the present disclosure emphasizes the presented embodiments and Figures, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure might be embodied other than as specifically enabled herein 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A suction cup apparatus comprising: a frame comprising a detachable pump and a frame fluid pathway; a suction cup coupled with the frame, the suction cup comprising: a cup body having at least one bellows fold extending around the entire circumference of the cup body; a sealing edge; an internal surface; an external surface; a cup fluid pathway extending from an interior of the cup body to the exterior of the cup body; and a plurality of cleats positioned on the internal surface of the cup body extending radially inward from proximate the sealing edge, wherein the thickness of each cleat of the plurality of cleats increases distal to the sealing edge.
 16. The suction cup apparatus of claim 15, further comprising the detachable pump configured in fluid communication with each of the frame fluid pathway and the cup fluid pathway.
 17. The suction cup apparatus of claim 15, the frame further comprising a connector.
 18. The suction cup apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a connecting rod, a connecting chain, or a connecting rope, wherein a first end of the connecting rod, a first end of the connecting chain, or a first end of the connecting rope is received by and held by the connector.
 19. The suction cup apparatus of claim 17, wherein the connector pivots with respect to the frame.
 20. The suction cup apparatus of claim 17, wherein the connector is displaced with respect to the frame.
 21. The suction cup apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a connecting rod, wherein a first end of the connecting rod is received by and held by the connector.
 22. The suction cup apparatus of claim 21, wherein a second end of the connecting rod is configured to one of: be received and held by a different connector; comprises a hook; or comprises a carabiner clip.
 23. The suction cup apparatus of claim 21, wherein the connecting rod is telescoping.
 24. The suction cup apparatus of claim 21, wherein the connecting rod comprises a bias.
 25. The suction cup apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a valve in fluid communication with the detachable pump.
 26. The suction cup apparatus of claim 15, further comprising an at least one indentation in each cleat of the plurality of cleats.
 27. The suction cup apparatus of claim 26, wherein each of the at least one indentations is a zigzag shape.
 28. A suction cup apparatus comprising: a frame comprising a connector; a suction cup coupled with the frame, the suction cup comprising: a cup body having at least one bellows fold extending around the entire circumference of the cup body; a sealing edge; an internal surface; an external surface; and a fluid pathway extending from an interior of the cup body to the exterior of the cup body; a pump in fluid communication with the fluid pathway; a valve in fluid communication with the pump; and a connecting rod, wherein a first end of the connecting rod is received by and held by the connector, and wherein the connecting rod is telescoping from a minimum length to a maximum length and at least one telescoping portion is biased.
 29. The suction cup apparatus of claim 28, wherein the connector pivots with respect to the frame.
 30. The suction cup apparatus of claim 29, further comprising an at least one indentation in each cleat of the plurality of cleats.
 31. The suction cup apparatus of claim 30, wherein each of the at least one indentations is a zigzag shape.
 32. A suction cup apparatus comprising: a frame comprising: a first frame end, a second frame end; and a frame fluid pathway; a first suction cup coupled with the first frame end, the suction cup comprising: a cup body having at least one bellows fold extending around the entire circumference of the cup body; a sealing edge; an internal surface; an external surface; and a cup fluid pathway extending from an interior of the cup body to the exterior of the cup body, the cup fluid pathway in fluid communication with the frame fluid pathway; a detachable pump coupled with the frame in a manner to be in fluid communication with the frame fluid pathway; a valve in fluid communication with the pump; and a connecting rod; and a second suction cup coupled with the second frame end, the second suction cup having a respective cup fluid pathway in fluid communication with the frame fluid pathway.
 33. The suction cup apparatus of claim 32, wherein the detachable pump creates a vacuum within the frame fluid pathway whereby the external surface is coupled with a first floating vessel, and wherein a respective external surface of a second suction up is coupled with a second floating vessel.
 34. The suction cup apparatus of claim 33, wherein the suction cup apparatus is configured to keep a constant distance between the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel. 